![](https://txmg.org/hendersonmg/files/2022/02/Newspaper-Article-Heading-w-Underline.jpg)
by Lydia Holley March 7, 2022
If you grow roses, it is important that you know about rose rosette disease. It has been a number of years since I last wrote about rose rosette. Perhaps because Henderson County has yet to report any cases to roserosette.org, the reporting site sponsored by Texas A&M, other universities, and some companies. However, it is imperative for gardeners to stay vigilant because this disease is always fatal and doing nothing only helps it to spread. Cases have been reported in Smith, Kaufman, Ellis, and Wood Counties. Over 350 reports have been made In Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
What is rose rosette? It is a virus spread by miniature mites. These mites travel on the wind, so there is no way to stop them from coming into your garden. Once the virus is transmitted into your rose, it will eventually kill the plant. In the meantime, mites feeding on your infected rose will continue to spread the virus to healthy roses. So, when you see symptoms of rose rosette, take immediate action.
What are the symptoms of rose rosette? Excessive thorniness, deformed flowers, odd growth called witches’ broom. Your plant may show twisted or stunted growth, rubbery thorns, thick shoots, or stems that never harden and mature. There are numerous photos on the website above. But if you suspect rose rosette, it is best to contact your County Extension Agent for confirmation. It is important not to use herbicides around your roses because herbicide damage mimics some of the symptoms. Watch for your neighbor’s use of herbicides, too. And remember, not every odd growth is rose rosette. It could be fasciation, chili thrips, or even odd growth due to weather fluctuations. That is why verified identification and reporting is so important.
What is being done about rose rosette? Scientists are studying and testing roses for resistance to this disease.
Be especially watchful after purchasing new roses. Keep an eye on commercial plantings near your garden and inform the manager of any odd growth you see. Inspect your own roses several times a year. Removing roses with signs of rose rosette quickly is the best way to keep this disease from spreading.
For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected].
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HCmastergardener.